Ruth Eileen (Nelson) Steffend

Ruth Eileen (Nelson) Steffend of Cambridge spent her life of 90 years living with a twinkle in her eye and her heart outside her body. She gave her heart willingly to anyone who asked – family, friend, stranger.

She died Aug 2, 2012, leaving her love behind for her family – daughter Joan (Joe) Steffend Brandmeier: grandchildren Blair (Bryan) Shackle, Jordan Brandmeier, Jamison Chopp, Maria Chopp, Annalisa Chopp and great grandchildren Brooke Karen-Marie and Makala Karen. Her husband, Robert, and daughter, Karen, went on before her, as well as her sisters and brother.

Ruth was born in Scandia, Minn. to Peter and Alice (Olson) Nelson on Jan. 13, 1922, graduating from Osceola High School with friends she has to this day. She married Robert L. Steffend from Lindstrom and raised her daughters, and eventually her grandchildren with a smile on her face and a cookie in each hand.

She lived most of her adult life in Cambridge as a member of Cambridge Lutheran. Her services were held there on Wednesday, Aug. 8.